STM8L microcontrollers with ultra-low energy ...

STM8L microcontrollers with ultra-low energy consumption16- and 32-bit microcontrollers are becoming cheaper with every day. However, 8-bit controllers are still quite popular, especially in the systems with low energy consumption. This is definitely proved by the new series of STM8L microcontrollers by STMicroelectronics.Microcontrollers of STM8L series have the lowest possible leak currents and a whole set of other features which allow to have consumption at a level of 150 microA/Mhz in the active mode. Despite the fact that STM8L series are controllers with 8-bit Harvard architecture their nucleus has several features which considerably increase final capacity. This includes the following:- a 32-bit memory interface enables to draw a sample of most commands per one cycle;- a 16-bit index register and a stack indicator register ensure increased code density and work speed with table data;- advanced procedures for working with stack indicator which ensures improved support of C-code and RTOS;- a 16 mb linear address space;- an extended set of addressing techniques provides better C-code efficiency and ensures high density of the executable code;- an extended guide set increases speed for performing arithmetic operations.The microcontroller nucleus uses a three-stage pipeline which allows to perform most of the commands per one cycle. This results in increased peak performance up to 16 CISC MIPS at clock frequency of 16 MHz.All products of STM8L series are produced with the technology of 130 nm. This allows to have designs with ultralow leak currents.A built-in voltage regulator enables the microcontroller nucleus to work at maximum performance when the device is powered within a wide range of input voltages from 1.65 to 3.6 V.This feature significantly increases running time of the microcontroller when it is powered from batteries. STM8L series is oriented at devices with lowered energy consumption. The microcontrollers have 5 modes of ultralow energy consumption. The most economical mode consumes 350 nA while securing data in RAM, with 4.7 microseconds to enter a fully active mode.Consumption in the active mode is 195 microamperes per 1 MHz.Evaluation board STM8L-Discovery is the most suitable for getting acquainted with MK series. The tool set includes ST-Link - a USB programmer-debugger which can be later used for debugging and programming your own designs. And of course there is also a host board on the basis of the microcontroller ...